Explore Scientific AR102 102mm f/6.5 Air Spaced Doublet Refractor OTA

The latest addition to the Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series is the very portable, grab-and-go 102mm!

Like its two larger brothers, the AR127, and the AR152, these are classic air-spaced, crown-and-flint, doublet achromatic refractors with superior-class optical figure, in a short (f/6.5) focal length design. These optics produce stunning images of deep sky objects, double stars, planets, and the moon that are a small fraction of the price of comparable aperture apochromat refractors.

Designed to handle the rigors of public star parties and educational outreach, the Explore Scientific AR Series has standard hardware which includes a precision two-speed focuser, a 99% Reflective 2-inch Diagonal Mirror, and an 8×50 Finder Scope. You can be confident that the quality and construction of these telescopes will allow heavy use for many years. The optics in their collimatable lens cell are fully multi-coated to eliminate light scatter and maintain image contrast. All lens cells are precisely collimated at the Explore Scientific factory, to give optimum performance. Although you may never need to adjust optical alignment the AR Series allows for collimating the lens set, should the telescope ever require it. The Explore Scientific Air-Spaced Doublet AR Series telescopes include a precision 2-inch two-speed as standard equipment. The eyepiece holder uses a compression ring to prevent the eyepiece or camera barrel from scoring. Perfect focus is easily achieved with the Explore Scientific Ten-to-One, Two-Speed Focuser.

On those pristine nights of steady seeing, Saturn’s Rings can forever affect the hearts and minds of almost anyone who lays eyes on them. It’s nights like these that astronomers like to set up their refractors and push the magnification to the limits, not only to see the magnificence of the planet at greater scale but to really test the optical and mechanical quality of the telescope. Many telescopes are only supplied with a standard single-speed focuser, you will find that a tiny nudge will throw out focus and turn your night into one of frustration. So all Explore Scientific AR Series telescopes include a two-speed Crayford-style precision focuser with tension adjustment and lock to obtain and hold perfect focus. We think you’ll agree that such precision is worth it.

The Universal Adjustable Mounting Plate of the AR 102 fits on many popular equatorial and Altaz mounts, including mounts supplied by Explore Scientific, Celestron, Vixen, and others.

Instead of using a cast metal part, Explore Scientific’s Universal Mounting Plate is made from extruded aluminum for added strength, it is after all what secures your telescope to the mount. We also include adjustment screws and locking bolts to allow adjustments to position the angle of the telescope when it is placed on its mount, an important feature when using an equatorial mount.

The Two-Inch Dielectric Diagonal includes a 1.25″ eyepiece holder adapter and dust cover to protect the mirror. The purpose of a diagonal is to securely hold your eyepiece and to give you a comfortable viewing angle. Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific’s Two Inch Dielectric Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment. Ultra-high reflective coatings (99% reflective) composed of multiple thin layers of dielectric material delivers maximum light output. Both 2″ and 1.25″ eyepiece holders use compression rings instead of a simple set-screw to more securely hold your valued eyepiece (or imaging device) and to minimise scoring of eyepiece barrels. You can thread standard 48mm filters into the barrel.

Provided as standard equipment, Explore Scientific’s Two Inch Diagonal incorporates a light-weight, one-piece diagonal body that securely cradles the precision polished diagonal flat mirror, insuring precision alignment.

The Explore Scientific 8×50 Finder Scope optics provide a bright high-resolution image so that many faint stars and nebulosity can be detected for precise aiming. The front objective can be custom focused to provide a sharp image every time.

Some items that are showing as in stock are in stock at our holding warehouses, not at the shop. To double check the stock levels at the shop, please contact us on 01909774369 or sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk.

The delivery times for most items is 1 - 2 days but again, please double check stock levels on important orders before placing an order via the website.

The delivery costs for courier next day are for mainland UK only. If you live in the Scottish Highlands/Islands, Channel Islands or Northern Ireland, then a shipping surchage will apply. please contact us for prices. Smaller items can still go 1st class via Royal Mail.

Please note that if you are wanting to take advantage of our Saturday and Sunday timed services or next day pre 12 or pre 10:30 services, you MUST check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. Also, orders using the Saturday and Sunday services must be placed before 2pm the previous working day. Also, please remember to check that the stock is here at the shop before placing orders. If the stock is not at the shop, we won't be able to ship on any of the timed services. 

Please note International customers will need to contact us for a shipping price prior to ordering via the website. We don't ship all items internationally. It is at our discretion what we ship outside of the UK. This all depends on the size and weight of the items. Please get in touch with us for any postage costs. Please note we do NOT ship telescopes or heavy items outside of the UK. This is due to massive postage costs and problems regarding returns.

If you have any questions regarding stock levels or delivery, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics now have a loyalty point scheme active on the website. As you can see from the products, every item has a point value. Each pound you spend with us, you will receive 1 loyalty point. 1 point is worth 1p. You can accumulate these points as you shop with us, then when you are over £5, you can spend them on the website! Easy as that.

Even if you collect most of your items from our shop, you can still order via the website and select the "shop collection" delivery option. Then you can come to our shop, collect your item and still get your points!

Please note this scheme is online only. Customers who order via the telephone can still be added to the scheme manually. Please ask for more details on this. Before placing orders online, please make sure you are registered with us first otherwise your points won't be allocated.

So happy shopping and if you have any questions about the scheme or any other queries, please get in touch.

Rother Valley Optics

01909774369
sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk

Finance is now available on most products above £250! We offer 12, 24, 36 and 48 months with a fixed 15.9% typical APR. Please note this can't be done through the website at this moment in time. You will need to email us or drop into the shop to sort out finance. As long as the item is above £250, finance is generally available!

Please note some items are NOT eligible for finance. Please contact us for eligibility first. 

Please get in touch with us today to find out if you're applicable.

You must be over 18 years to apply, live in the UK, have a valid UK bank account and not be bankrupt. Your credit file will be searched on application to see if you are eligible.

Rother Valley Optics Ltd is registered in England and Wales 04762707. Registered Office: 21 Station Road, Kiveton Park, Rotherham, S26 6QP. Rother Valley Optics Ltd acts as a credit broker only. Rother Valley Optics Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conducts Authority. Credit provided subject to age and status..

If you have any questions about this, simply give us a ring or drop into the shop for a chat.

- - - Rother Valley Optics Ltd

01909 774 369
sales@rothervalleyoptics.co.uk